Map of Minnesota and Flag | Outline, Counties, Cities and Road Map
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Is Minnesota an open carry state?
We get it, seeing a gun in public is terrifying but, in the US, gun laws are not what you might expect from other countries. Before visiting the place, it is better to know about laws like these so that you will keep your cool.
It is totally legal for citizens to carry a firearm without concealing it. However, there are certain places that do not allow the citizens to carry firearms which include educational institutions, government property and places that put up signs prohibiting it.
How did Minnesota get its name?
The state was named after the Minnesota River that flows towards the South Dakota-Minnesota border. The name itself is derived from the language of the native Americans which inhabited these lands in the past.
Minnesota has Dakota origins where ‘Mni’ means water whereas ‘Sota’ refers to sky-tinted or cloudy. The name refers to the slightly blue color of the water and it beautifully reflects the sky and the clouds, living up to its name.
Why is Minnesota called the North Star State?
Minnesota’s motto is ‘L’Étoile du Nord’ which is a French phrase meaning the Star of the North. The North Star or Polaris has always held symbolic importance in many cultures. It symbolizes stability and prosperity since it is known for holding still in the sky.
The North Star is also considered to be the brightest and thus further contributing towards its significance in symbolization. The very first governor of Minnesota, Henry Hastings Sibley chose this as the state motto which was adopted officially in 1861.
How did Minnesota get the name “The Gopher State”?
The history behind the name dates back to 1857. The state obtained this name because of a cartoon. The cartoon has political roots to it. It was an artistic take on opposing the proposed amendment to the Minnesota State Constitution. It allowed the issuance of $5 million worth of bonds for the assistance in the construction of railroads. The cartoon had ten men underground, right below the tracks with bags of money hanging from their necks. These men were half-human and half-gopher leading to the infamous nickname of the state.
Minnesota Flag Facts
The very first flag of Minnesota was adopted in 1893 and it remained until 1957. However, the state flag currently in use was adopted in 1957. The flag went through certain changes in order to make the manufacturing of the flag easier. The state seal was later modified in 1983.
Colors and Meanings of Minnesota Flag
The flag of Minnesota consists of the state seal with a unique shade of blue as its field. Officially, the flag contains a gold border and fringe. There is a circle in the middle of white color with the word Minnesota all in upper case. There are four groups of four stars and one group of three.
The top-most star represents Polaris, the North Star. The center design is bordered with slippers and the state flower. A ribbon containing the motto of the state. The years 1819, the year of the founding of Fort Snelling, 1858, the year of statehood and the year of the adoption of the very first flag of the state, 1858, are mentioned in the border as well.
Population of Minnesota
Minnesota has a population of around 5.64 million with a huge majority of white people. The minority is covered by African American people followed by Asians, Native Americans and Hawaiian/other Pacific Islands.
Languages Spoken in Minnesota
Most of the states in the US are now fairly populated from people from all over the world. With diversity comes various languages. Here are some of the languages that are commonly spoken in Minnesota other than English:
- Spanish
- French
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Vietnamese
- Hebrew
- Arabic
Interesting Facts About Minnesota
- People of Minnesota value education and thus Minnesota is one of the top ten states in terms of education quality.
- We all know how the US is always mentioned when it comes to obesity and unhealthy lifestyles but Minnesota is known to be one of the few healthier states with Minnesota being on the top having active residents who exercise regularly.
- Minnesota was one of the first and very few states that supported the Union during the Civil War.
- Love shopping? Minnesota is going to be your heaven with the state housing the largest mall and entertainment center in the United States. You can benefit from the zero tax on the sale of footwear and clothing items.
Best Places to Visit in Minnesota
We are sure shopping is not the only thing that you are looking for when it comes to a vacation, a good blend of the typical noisy city life with an active nightlife and some peaceful time with nature perfectly ties everything together. Following are some of our favorite places to go in Minnesota:
- Split House Whitehouse – Want to feel like you are in a fantasy movie? This is exactly what this place will make you feel like with its scenic views and the rich history associated with it. It is known to be one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the US.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – The shrine of Saint Paul is no less than art itself with its excellent architecture, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the whole state and is famous throughout the country.
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory – Home to several species of animals, you will get to expose yourself to a whole different work of creatures that will leave you amazed.
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